American Idol narrowed the field of hopefuls to 16 March 1, bouncing two women and two men. This time, the axe fell on Alaina Alexander, who sang a tepid rendition of the Dixie Chicks' "Not Ready To Make Nice," and Nick Pedro, deemed lacking in charisma, according to judge Simon Cowell.

Also removed were A.J. Tabaldo and Leslie Hunt, who both sang Nina Simone's "Feeling Good". Still in the race, however, is 20-year-old New Jersey native Antonella Barba, whose racy photos have become an Internet sensation.